|
Post by ukcstokie on Jul 4, 2015 12:02:19 GMT
Sad news; Ryan Harris RetiresA superb bowler. 113 wickets in 27 tests at 23.5 is testament to a great talent that, due to those knees, could only be partially fulfilled. The upcoming Ashes series will be poorer for his absence. Sad news indeed. He's always seemed to struggled with injury.
|
|
|
Post by ukcstokie on Jul 4, 2015 12:05:53 GMT
Meanwhile on the pitch, the invincible Australians look unconvincing against the mighty Essex. Following another first innings that needed the tail to bail them out, their bowling, with the exception of the excellent Starc, looked insipid and got a battering. Particularly, and potentially importantly, the off spinner. Second time round the Aussie tail couldn't rescue the innings after another feeble show from the top order; 221 all out is a poor effort. But the advantage their tail gave them in the first innings should be enough to see them home. Essex need getting on for 400 to win. But they've stated like a house on fire - or rather Jesse Ryder has. Lessons for England. 1) don't let the tail wag 2) attack with the bat. Put pressure on the bowling. I suggest this would mean playing Rashid and dropping Ballance. Edit; Ryder's start included taking 26 of Hazlewood's first over; five 4's and a 6. Ouch! They have to play Rashid - if only for the tail. Shame he didn't make his début in the Windies.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2015 1:00:38 GMT
Sad news; Ryan Harris RetiresA superb bowler. 113 wickets in 27 tests at 23.5 is testament to a great talent that, due to those knees, could only be partially fulfilled. The upcoming Ashes series will be poorer for his absence. Sad news indeed. He's always seemed to struggled with injury. He missed a few games through those knees of his , too much to overcome at 35 I suppose , a great shame as he was a fine bowler , it's always sad to see a player forced to retire through injury .
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2015 1:03:25 GMT
Meanwhile on the pitch, the invincible Australians look unconvincing against the mighty Essex. Following another first innings that needed the tail to bail them out, their bowling, with the exception of the excellent Starc, looked insipid and got a battering. Particularly, and potentially importantly, the off spinner. Second time round the Aussie tail couldn't rescue the innings after another feeble show from the top order; 221 all out is a poor effort. But the advantage their tail gave them in the first innings should be enough to see them home. Essex need getting on for 400 to win. But they've stated like a house on fire - or rather Jesse Ryder has. Lessons for England. 1) don't let the tail wag 2) attack with the bat. Put pressure on the bowling. I suggest this would mean playing Rashid and dropping Ballance. Edit; Ryder's start included taking 26 of Hazlewood's first over; five 4's and a 6. Ouch! They have to play Rashid - if only for the tail. Shame he didn't make his début in the Windies. I hope he is selected , but I'm not confident ....I think they will be concerned at him being collared and conceding too many runs .
|
|
|
Post by Staffsoatcake on Jul 5, 2015 10:48:58 GMT
If the pitch is bone dry, play two spinners. Cook. Lyth. Bell.or Ballance Root. Stokes. Butler. Ali. Rashid. Broad. Wood.. Anderson.
|
|
|
Post by partickpotter on Jul 5, 2015 13:01:36 GMT
If the pitch is bone dry, play two spinners. Cook. Lyth. Bell.or Ballance Root. Stokes. Butler. Ali. Rashid. Broad. Wood.. Anderson. Even if it's not bone dry, that's the 11 I'd go for (Bell ahead of Ballance). Just a couple of differences in the batting line up. I'd have Ali at 5, keep Stokes and Butler at 6 and 7. Also Wood ahead of Broad. I think they may well do this. I certainly hope so.
|
|
|
Post by bathstoke on Jul 5, 2015 13:13:04 GMT
Did any of you heathens that weren't in church this morning hear Andrew Flintoff On Desert Island Disks (it's repeated on Friday morning). A very candid interview...
|
|
|
Post by ukcstokie on Jul 5, 2015 15:02:20 GMT
If the pitch is bone dry, play two spinners. Cook. Lyth. Bell.or Ballance Root. Stokes. Butler. Ali. Rashid. Broad. Wood.. Anderson. Even if it's not bone dry, that's the 11 I'd go for (Bell ahead of Ballance). Just a couple of differences in the batting line up. I'd have Ali at 5, keep Stokes and Butler at 6 and 7. Also Wood ahead of Broad. I think they may well do this. I certainly hope so. That's the side I'd go for too. Deep batting and 6 bowlers. When did we last have 6 bowlers in the side? My concern is that they see 6 bowlers and think that it's one too many, and then go back and keep Rashid out. I'm pretty sure that's what the old management team would have done, but this is the chance to show it's the new dawn still, and build on the one day game attitude.
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 0:21:25 GMT
Some vids to just whet the appetite a little!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 0:25:07 GMT
Some vids to just whet the appetite a little! Excellent mate ...It's a poor weather forecast for the first day on Wednesday though .....Where have you been recently ?
|
|
|
Post by ukcstokie on Jul 6, 2015 16:03:03 GMT
Ok, we're nearly at the 'kick-off'.
Predictions please!
I'm going with 2-1 to England - but I think it could go either way. The 1st Test is massive. If England can avoid defeat and get some confidence against the Aussie quicks then we'll be fine. If we just roll over then it'll be a long hard summer.
|
|
|
Post by Staffsoatcake on Jul 6, 2015 16:15:27 GMT
Australia to win 3-0.
|
|
|
Post by partickpotter on Jul 6, 2015 17:31:05 GMT
3-1 England.
Same score as '81.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 17:51:59 GMT
Tight series possibly 2-2 ?
|
|
|
Post by salopstick on Jul 6, 2015 20:33:03 GMT
England women v Australia women is not the ashes
|
|
|
Post by BigKahunaBurger on Jul 6, 2015 20:33:08 GMT
Head: 3-0 Australia
Heart: 2-1 England
Come on!!!!
|
|
|
Post by BuzzB on Jul 6, 2015 21:11:03 GMT
Why are England playing Australia in Wales?
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 21:51:23 GMT
Why are England playing Australia in Wales? England and Wales Cricket Board, got no issue with it myself, just wish we were opening proceedings at Lords instead.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 21:51:36 GMT
Why are England playing Australia in Wales? Because the England team also encompasses Welsh cricket , the game is administered by England and Wales Cricket Board .....it also includes a Welsh county in the county cricket system ,Glamorgan who play at Cardiff.
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 21:52:16 GMT
Some vids to just whet the appetite a little! Excellent mate ...It's a poor weather forecast for the first day on Wednesday though .....Where have you been recently ? Been on my holidays matey before the stress of the cricketing summer How are you my mate?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 21:53:45 GMT
Why are England playing Australia in Wales? England and Wales Cricket Board, got no issue with it myself, just wish we were opening proceedings at Lords instead. It's traditional for the Second Test Match of any series to be played at Lord's though isn't it ?
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 21:56:59 GMT
England and Wales Cricket Board, got no issue with it myself, just wish we were opening proceedings at Lords instead. It's traditional for the Second Test Match of any series to be played at Lord's though isn't it ? It's my mind trying to re-start the 05 series again
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 22:00:36 GMT
Excellent mate ...It's a poor weather forecast for the first day on Wednesday though .....Where have you been recently ? Been on my holidays matey before the stress of the cricketing summer How are you my mate?[/quot Well thanks , a good holiday I trust ?
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 22:04:30 GMT
Been on my holidays matey before the stress of the cricketing summer How are you my mate?[/quot Well thanks , a good holiday I trust ? Good to hear pal, and yes very good down in sunny Cornwall, been sat pondering on the coming series like I'm going to have an influence on the outcome.
|
|
|
Post by followyoudown on Jul 6, 2015 22:05:06 GMT
Why are England playing Australia in Wales? Because the England team also encompasses Welsh cricket , the game is administered by England and Wales Cricket Board .....it also includes a Welsh county in the county cricket system ,Glamorgan who play at Cardiff. All true but the main reason England are playing in Cardiff is ££££s, Glamorgan aided by the Welsh Assembley simply outbid everyone else for the package that included this test.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 22:12:21 GMT
Because the England team also encompasses Welsh cricket , the game is administered by England and Wales Cricket Board .....it also includes a Welsh county in the county cricket system ,Glamorgan who play at Cardiff. All true but the main reason England are playing in Cardiff is ££££s, Glamorgan aided by the Welsh Assembley simply outbid everyone else for the package that included this test. Of course it is as was the same in 2009 .......very unfair that they are allowed to use that money for the purpose , Old Trafford misses out I'm afraid and England would prefer to play there in preference I'm sure .
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 22:15:00 GMT
Good to hear pal, and yes very good down in sunny Cornwall, been sat pondering on the coming series like I'm going to have an influence on the outcome. Some positive pondering may be useful !
|
|
|
Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Jul 6, 2015 22:27:40 GMT
As far as predictions go, I've been comparing who you would rather have in your side ahead of the series.
Cook/Lyth - Warner/Rogers/Marsh = Warner is an absolute no brainer at the top of the order, but Cook remains a class act as he showed v NZ so Cook ahead of the other two.
Ballance/Smith- Sadly, as good as Gary was last summer, he's hit a bad patch and Smith is the best batsman in the world for me at the moment so has to be him.
Bell/Clarke- Both seasoned campaigners now, Clarke seems to be solid if unspectacular these days whilst Belly seems to dip horribly the rise like a phoenix a la 2013, based on consistency and the fact he's captain, Clarke just.
Root/Voges- The bright young hope v the seasoned Sheffield Shield campaigner, despite him getting a century in the West Indies, Root by a mile I'd say.
Stokes/Watson- Ask me before that Lords test and I'd probably go for Watson, but Stokes has that X-Factor about him that wins you a session that turns the game around.
Buttler/Haddin- Haddin was for me the real reason why we got tonked 5-0 in Aus, Johnson blew us away but how many times did we have them 120/5ish in the first innings then he would come out and smash a 100. Buttler's keeping needs some work but based purely on his ability I would want him ahead of Haddin.
Moeen/Lyon- Lyon can't really bat but he is a genuine spinner, whilst Moeen has good batting skills but is nowhere near the complete article when it comes to bowling, genuinely think spin could be massive in the first test so would like to see Moeen feature but Rashid also, in terms of comparison Lyon gets my vote.
Broad/Johnson-Both can win you a game in 10 overs or can be anonymous for 3 tests, but based on the fact Johnson has the left arm factor, menace and sheer pace I'd go for him ahead of Broad, who I hope can string together some of those little runs he gets on when he gets and early wicket.
Wood/Starc - Not really a fair comparison because Wood is only at the start of what I hope will be a long career, because I think he has been nothing short of wonderful so far, good pace and good composure not to lose it against an NZ batting line up that goes at 5 an over. Starc has been the man when it comes to bowling this year, fierce inswing to the right hander and a deadly yorker, so it will be Starc, but that's not a reflection on Wood.
Anderson/Hazlewood- King of Swing v the NSW colt, in English conditions it has to be Jimmy, but as with Wood, Hazlewood is at the start of his career, so Jimmy being better isn't a reflection on him at all.
So now you're all thoroughly bored I can say that in a combined XI there would be 6 Aussies and 5 Englishmen, which indicates it should be close, so naturally I'll ignore everything I just wrote and I'll go with my heart for once and say 2-1 England with the rain coming to our rescue in the final test.
|
|
|
Post by ukcstokie on Jul 7, 2015 0:34:07 GMT
As far as predictions go, I've been comparing who you would rather have in your side ahead of the series. Cook/Lyth - Warner/Rogers/Marsh = Warner is an absolute no brainer at the top of the order, but Cook remains a class act as he showed v NZ so Cook ahead of the other two. Ballance/Smith- Sadly, as good as Gary was last summer, he's hit a bad patch and Smith is the best batsman in the world for me at the moment so has to be him. Bell/Clarke- Both seasoned campaigners now, Clarke seems to be solid if unspectacular these days whilst Belly seems to dip horribly the rise like a phoenix a la 2013, based on consistency and the fact he's captain, Clarke just. Root/Voges- The bright young hope v the seasoned Sheffield Shield campaigner, despite him getting a century in the West Indies, Root by a mile I'd say. Stokes/Watson- Ask me before that Lords test and I'd probably go for Watson, but Stokes has that X-Factor about him that wins you a session that turns the game around. Buttler/Haddin- Haddin was for me the real reason why we got tonked 5-0 in Aus, Johnson blew us away but how many times did we have them 120/5ish in the first innings then he would come out and smash a 100. Buttler's keeping needs some work but based purely on his ability I would want him ahead of Haddin. Moeen/Lyon- Lyon can't really bat but he is a genuine spinner, whilst Moeen has good batting skills but is nowhere near the complete article when it comes to bowling, genuinely think spin could be massive in the first test so would like to see Moeen feature but Rashid also, in terms of comparison Lyon gets my vote. Broad/Johnson-Both can win you a game in 10 overs or can be anonymous for 3 tests, but based on the fact Johnson has the left arm factor, menace and sheer pace I'd go for him ahead of Broad, who I hope can string together some of those little runs he gets on when he gets and early wicket. Wood/Starc - Not really a fair comparison because Wood is only at the start of what I hope will be a long career, because I think he has been nothing short of wonderful so far, good pace and good composure not to lose it against an NZ batting line up that goes at 5 an over. Starc has been the man when it comes to bowling this year, fierce inswing to the right hander and a deadly yorker, so it will be Starc, but that's not a reflection on Wood. Anderson/Hazlewood- King of Swing v the NSW colt, in English conditions it has to be Jimmy, but as with Wood, Hazlewood is at the start of his career, so Jimmy being better isn't a reflection on him at all. So now you're all thoroughly bored I can say that in a combined XI there would be 6 Aussies and 5 Englishmen, which indicates it should be close, so naturally I'll ignore everything I just wrote and I'll go with my heart for once and say 2-1 England with the rain coming to our rescue in the final test. Botham and McGrath did the same on Sky earlier. Came up with pretty much the same team. Coincidence ? My slant on it would be: Can't really with much of it but I think these are in the balance: Stokes/Watson- I think it's quite a while since Watson got a score, so given Stokes form this summer I'd go for him. Buttler/Haddin- Isn't Buttler averaging nearly 50, while Hadden only seems to score well against us? I may be wrong! Haddin's definitely the better keeper - but not by much. Moeen/Lyon- Lyon is the better spinner, but if Moeen can bowl like he did last summer I really don't see much between them.
|
|
|
Post by jimigoodwinsbeard on Jul 7, 2015 4:04:33 GMT
Did any of you heathens that weren't in church this morning hear Andrew Flintoff On Desert Island Disks (it's repeated on Friday morning). A very candid interview... What was the gist of what he said?
|
|